If you have lost one or more teeth to decay or injury, you need to consider restorative procedures without delay. While dentures continue to remain a viable and popular choice for most patients, there’s also the choice of dental implants. You check with Powell, TN dental services to understand the procedure and costs for your needs. In this post, let’s discuss whether dental implants are worth considering for tooth replacement.
The basics
A dental implant is a replacement root for a missing tooth. It is made of titanium and is placed inside the bone socket of the lost tooth as a foundation. As dental implants become a part of your mouth, the replacement teeth won’t move around, which is why it is often considered a more natural way to replace lost teeth. When you lose a tooth, there is a rapid decline in bone mass, which causes the adjacent teeth to cave in. With a dental implant, it is possible to prevent these concerns. You will need oral surgery to get implants.
Benefits at a glance
Most people don’t feel any difference between dental implants and natural teeth. Unlike dentures that move around and cause unwanted embarrassment, replacement teeth on implants remain in place. You will enjoy better comfort while eating and communicating with others. Because an implant is made of titanium, it doesn’t need extensive care, and with proper oral hygiene, there is no need for replacement. If you are getting implant-supported dentures, you will need to do the same level of care as dentures. You can continue to enjoy your favorite foods too.
Other relevant aspects
Not everyone can consider dental implants, and your dentist is the best person to advise on the procedure. As the process involves surgery, it can take weeks for your jawbone to heal. Patients who have certain lifestyle diseases, who are heavy smokers, or who have diabetes are usually not the ideal candidates for dental implants. Getting dental implants doesn’t involve pain, as local anesthesia is used during the surgery. You may have to wait to get replacement teeth, which are attached to the implants using abutments. It is also possible to get an entire arch of missing teeth on two dental implants.
Final word
There’s no denying that dental implants offer better comfort and durability than dentures. Talk to your dentist about whether this is an option for your condition and whether you are an ideal candidate, which depends on your health history.